Coral tree, also known as coralbean, is a group of trees and shrubs that typically produce showy red or orange flowers. Coral trees grow in tropical and nearly tropical regions throughout the world. There are dozens of species (kinds). They are widely cultivated as shade trees and as ornamentals. Most coral trees are deciduous—that is, they lose their leaves and grow new ones each year.
Coral trees have compound leaves made up of three leaflets. Many species have thorns along the branches and even on the petioles (stems) of the leaves. Birds pollinate the flowers. In the Americas, coral trees are chiefly pollinated by hummingbirds.
Most species of coral trees have either red or black seeds. The seeds are sometimes used for necklaces and other jewelry. However, the seeds commonly contain substances that are poisonous if eaten. Local peoples extract some of these substances for use in medicines.
